Ex-MLB GM may make Pirates reconsider trading elite high-leverage duo

As the Pirates continue to fall further and further beneath .500, it makes trading assets beyond rentals more likely. David Bednar and Dennis Santana have picked up a lot of interest, especially from the Phillies, per recent rumors.

Former MLB GM and current writer for The Athletic Jim Bowden recently discussed these two in an article and he made it seem like they have a lot less value than Pirates fans think, making a trade of them seem a lot less worth it.

In the article, Bowden answered a question regarding if a package of Bednar and Santana to the Phillies in exchange for Justin Crawford would work. Bowden replied with, "I think the Phillies say no."

Philidelphia doesn't accept that? For Bednar and Santana together, Crawford should not be the only prospect heading back to Pittsburgh. Crawford is an outstanding prospect with elite speed and great hit tools, but that is not the price to pay for two successful high-leverage relievers.

Both will be free agents following the 2026 season, yet will cost around $10 million combined in 2026. That is cheap for a closer and setup man, especially for the production that they bring. Bednar has generated a 2.70 ERA with a 12.90 K/9 and Santana brings a 1.60 ERA and a 2.47 FIP. Adding both could turn an already decent bullpen into a great one.

Now that Bowden is somewhat undervaluing them, does that mean the Pirates might want to hang on? Is this actually the reality?

Pirates may want to keep David Bednar and Dennis Santana at the trade deadline

Since a deal like this may not completely boost the offense for 2026, hanging on to both may be the right move for the Pirates. Getting an elite back end of the bullpen like that would be hard to come by, especially for similar contracts. Money is already tight in the organization and they absolutely need to use it all on offense. If they want any chance of rebuilding this offense, spending on high-leverage relievers is going to really prevent them from landing any significant upgrades to the offense.

If this trade package isn't landing a significant return, then keeping them is the right move. Pittsburgh cannot afford for Ben Cherington to make another trade that ends in each player in a package combining to generate a negative WAR. That has happened too many times, and if they cannot even land Crawford in this hypothetical deal with the Phillies then they, at the very least, need to explore negotiations elsewhere.